Camping is a fun activity to do, either solo or with your friends. One important thing to remember is to pack well for your camping trip.
The last thing you want to happen, especially when camping solo, is to run out of essential camping gear.
From preparing food to handling an emergency, you need to have everything on plan. If not, your camping adventure could turn out to be a catastrophe.
An essential camping item is a flashlight. The flashlight is vital when camping, especially when navigating the location at night.
There is a lot of debate about how bright a flashlight for camping should be. Many people ask, ‘are 100 lumens enough for camping?’
In this article, we hope to understand better what types of flashlights and how many lumens you require for camping.
What Are Lumens?
Lumens measure the total amount of visible light from a light source. Typically, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light will be.
A common misconception is that power consumption (watts) is linked to light output. However, this is incorrect, as lumens are directly connected to light brightness.
Lumens equal brightness, while watts measure energy use. The connection between lumens and watts is as below.
- A light of 1100 lumens has a brightness equivalent to a 75-watt bulb.
- A light of 820 lumens has a brightness equivalent to a 60-watt bulb.
Are 100 Lumens Enough For Camping?
Camping is an activity that requires carrying some essentials with you. One of the most required camping gear is a camping light.
You need a light to illuminate the area at night because you are surrounded by nature. Specialized camping lights or lanterns are meant for this purpose.
Camping lights come in many sizes, shapes, and configurations. An essential factor to consider in camping lights is their brightness.
Camping lights generally range from 100 to 400 lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter your camping light will be.
However, a light with 100 lumens is enough for camping, while you can opt for a higher lumens value according to your preference.
A basic camping light will have a brightness of 100 lumens, while more powerful and advanced camping lights will have a brightness between 1000 and 3000 lumens.
Lumens For Each Type Of Camping Gear
There is not just one light that is ideal for camping. There are many types of lights that you can take with you when going camping.
It is one of the most common mistakes that campers make. You should not take only one light source with you when going camping.
It’s essential to have backup lights, especially different lights, during your adventure. Here are the different types of lights that you can include in your camping gear.
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Flashlight Lumens
The flashlight is an obvious camping gear that you must have with you. A flashlight will be handy on outdoor adventures, and you can carry it wherever you go.
It’s ideal to be lightweight, so it’s easy to take along while hiking, camping, or simply walking in the woods.
Flashlight lumens for camping can range from 200 to 2000 lumens. It depends on how much brightness you prefer. If you are just going to walk a little further from your campsite and not go deep into the woods, then a lower brightness is sufficient.
Having spare batteries with you is also essential if your flashlight battery suddenly stops working.
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Camping Lantern Lumens
As a camper, you must bring a camping lantern with you. These lanterns are meant explicitly for campers to use outdoors.
They come with the correct amount of light output that is enough to illuminate the campsite and its surrounding area.
A lantern of 100 lumens is sufficient to use inside your tent, while 200 lumens is the recommended brightness to use outside it.
A camping lantern can be helpful when you want to avoid having a campfire, especially when there are children around. Here is some useful information on choosing kids camping gear if you camp with children.
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Headlamp Lumens
You may think that a headlamp is unnecessary when you have a flashlight and camping lantern, but that’s not true.
One of the main advantages is that a headlamp keeps your hands free.
Moreover, you need to carry your flashlight in your hand wherever you go. You can walk anywhere with a headlamp on you and use it with no problem, even when you realize it’s become dark since you left.
It’s also easy to grab things like food and water in your bag when you have a headlamp.
Visit Outlighter.com to learn about the different types of lights to take while camping and how many lumens they should be.
Advantages Of Camping Lights
Camping lights are necessary, and it’s not like one light will be sufficient. You would at least need the three types of lights mentioned above to make sure that you are ready to go camping with safety in your mind.
Here are the advantages of camping lights or lanterns:
- They provide 360 degrees illumination
- They provide clear visibility of your surroundings
- They scare away wild animals and intruders
- They improve the ambience
- They are a hands-free lighting option
- They are portable
- They have a long battery life
Features To Consider When Buying Lights For Camping
You need to look for these features when buying a camping light.
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Brightness/ Lumens
A lumens of 100 is sufficient for basic camping and to use inside the tent, while higher lumens values are ideal if you want to go deep into the surrounding woods.
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Size & weight
A camping light should be easy to carry. Therefore, it’s better if it’s small and lightweight.
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Batteries
Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are ideal and a great way to use rechargeables with a “primary” powered device.
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Water resistance
IPX-4 rating water-resistant light is ideal for camping.
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Other features
Look for a hook or clip so that you can hang the light.
What Are The Brightest Camping Lights?
Here are some of the brightest and best camping lights available for you.
- LuxPro Dual Power Lantern: Best rechargeable camping lantern
- Adelante Camping Lantern: Best LED lantern
- LE Lantern Flashlight: Most versatile camping lantern
- AGPTEK Solar Lantern: Best solar camping lantern
- Coleman QuickPack Propane Lantern: Best propane lantern
Final Thoughts
Camping requires different lights, and light with 100 lumens is acceptable, especially when inside the tent. However, if you plan on exploring the surrounding woods, you need to have a light with higher lumens.
It’s always advisable to have backups, lights, and batteries when you go camping to prepare for any emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 100 Lumens Good For Camping?
100 lumens is sufficient for camping, especially to use inside and right outside the tent.
How Many Lumens Is Enough For Camping?
A light ranging from 100 to 400 lumens is enough for camping.
How Many Lights Do You Need For Camping?
You need at least a flashlight, camping lantern, and a headlamp for camping.